Seismic detection system and a method of operating the same

• US 7,042,365 B1
• Filed: 12/17/2004
• Issued: 05/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/20/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Diaz-López, William
• Original Assignee: Diaz-López, William
• Inventors: Diaz-López, William
• Primary Examiner(s): La, Anh V.
• Application Number:
  US11/015,134
• Time in Patent Office: 508 Days
• Field of Search: 340/689, 340/690, 340/686.1, 340/539.22, 340/539.26, 340/566, 340/521, 340/522, 367197-199, 367/13, 73/351.4
• US Class Current: 340/690
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/01 Measuring or predicting earthquakes
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/10 responsive to calamitous events, e.g. tornados or earthquakes

Abstract

A seismic switch is a programmable device capable of distinguishing between seismic movements due to an earthquake or an explosion, which is used to send a signal to control panels for security doors. The device uses accelerometers and a microcontroller for the detection and signal analysis of the seismic movements. In the event of an explosion or earthquake, the device produces a loud sound which serves as an audible alarm. Other proposed applications, with minor modifications to the device or software code, include monitoring of freight handling, emergency shut-off controller for industrial control systems and machinery, a by-pass system for electronic access control panels, and as a theft-deterrent or a component of a security system for automated teller machines and other valuable devices or items.

Claims

1. A method of operating a seismic sensor comprising the:

steps of;

(a) providing a seismic sensor, wherein the seismic sensor includes;

(1) a set of accelerometers that generate electronic signals in response to vibrations caused by an earthquake;

(2) a controller operationally coupled with the set of accelerometers and configured to receive the electronic signals and to determine whether the electronic signals represent an earthquake;

(3) a switch having a first and a second state, operationally coupled with the controller, wherein the controller changes the state of the switch upon detection of an earthquake; and

(4) a first enclosure for housing the set of accelerometers, the controller and the switch;

(b) connecting the seismic sensor to a control system, wherein the control system includes;

(1) a controller which is operationally coupled with the switch;

(2) a second enclosure, larger than the first enclosure, for housing the controller;

(c) fixedly mounting the seismic sensor adjacent to or inside of the control system;

(d) periodically dismounting the seismic sensor and placing the seismic sensor on a vibration table, wherein the vibration table is operated to simulate the condition of an earthquake so that the seismic sensor operates to change the state of the switch; and

(e) re-mounting the seismic sensor when the seismic sensor operates to change the state of the switch in response to the simulated condition of the earthquake.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of accelerometers further generate electronic signals in response to movement caused by an explosion.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of providing the seismic sensor, the accelerometers comprise a first accelerometer configured to detect vibrations along a first axis and a second accelerometer configured to detect vibrations along a second axis, orthogonal to the first axis.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the step of providing the seismic sensor, the accelerometers further comprise a third accelerometer configured to detect vibrations along a third axis, orthogonal to the second and third axis.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of providing the seismic sensor, the controller comprises analog-to-digital converters and wherein the electric signals generated by the set of accelerometers are received by the analog-to-digital converters.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of providing the seismic sensor, the switch comprises a relay.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of providing the seismic sensor, wherein the switch comprises an electronic switch.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of providing the seismic sensor, the seismic sensor further includes an earthquake indicator operationally coupled with the controller and configured to indicate detection of an earthquake, an explosion indicator operationally coupled with the controller and configured to indicate detection of an explosion, and a reset switch to reset either of the earthquake or explosion alarm conditions.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of providing the seismic sensor, the enclosure is less than approximately five inches in height, width and depth.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein in the step of providing the seismic sensor, the enclosure is explosion-proof and water-tight housing having a front face, wherein the set of accelerometers, the set of amplifiers, the controller, and the switch are mounted within the explosion-proof and water-tight housing.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein in the step of providing the seismic sensor, the enclosure is approximately four and a half inches in height, three and a half inches in width and two and a half inches in depth.

12. A method of operating a seismic sensor comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a seismic sensor configured to detect an earthquake, wherein the seismic sensor comprises;

(1) a set of accelerometers that generate electronic signals in response to vibrations caused by an earthquake;

(2) a controller operationally coupled with the set of accelerometers and configured to receive the electronic signals and to determine whether the electronic signals represent an earthquake;

(3) a switch having a first and a second state, operationally coupled with the controller, wherein the controller chances the state of the switch upon detection of an earthquake; and

(4) a first enclosure for housing the set of accelerometers, the controller and the switch,

(b) fixedly mounting the seismic sensor;

(c) periodically dismounting the seismic sensor and placing the seismic sensor on a vibration table, wherein the vibration table is operated to simulate the condition of an earthquake;

(d) re-mounting the seismic sensor when the seismic sensor operates to detect an earthquake in response to the simulated condition of the earthquake; and

(e) connecting the seismic sensor to a control system, wherein the control system includes;

(1) controller which is operationally coupled with the switch; and

(2) a second enclosure, larger than the first enclosure, for housing the controller.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of fixedly mounting the seismic sensor comprises mounting the seismic sensor inside of the second enclosure of the control system.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of fixedly mounting the seismic sensor comprises mounting the seismic sensor adjacent to the second enclosure of the control system.